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Acclaimed hair designer and educator Mary Beth Janssen aims to help readers achieve harmony in both mind and body with Naturally Healthy Hair (Storey Publishing, 1999). Jansenn has long been a voice for the integration of health and beauty, and many of her recipes call for the uses of organic ingredients and forgotten knowledge. This Soapwort Shampoo Recipe, excerpted from Chapter 6, is an easy way to make your own natural shampoo.

Soapwort Shampoo Recipe

This is an excellent all-purpose shampoo for all types of scalp and hair. It does not have tremendous lather, but it cleanses very well and has no chemicals whatsoever. Many Native American tribes used the root of soapwort to wash their hair. You may choose to infuse a couple of tablespoons (30 ml) of your favorite herbs along with the soapwort, if desired as you make your own natural shampoo.

1. Crush the soapwort root in a mortar and pestle (or with the flat side of a wooden spoon or large knife).

2. Place the crushed root in the water in a stainless-steel pan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, then strain the liquid into an airtight bottle with a nozzle on top for dispensing.

3. Add the base and essential oils to the container. Shake well before each use. This shampoo will keep for up to a week if refrigerated.

To Use:

Shampoo, then follow with an herbal vinegar rinse.

Oily scalp: You can eliminate the base oil from this shampoo if your scalp tends to be very oily.

Read more tips on how to make your own natural shampoo in Naturally Healthy Hair

Reprinted with permission from Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments and Daily Care for Fabulous Hair by Mary Beth Jansenn and published by Storey Publishing, 1999. Buy this book from our store: Naturally Healthy Hair.

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